ProphetOfZoom

M

ZanySmurph

M–39

1972 Dodge Charger

“Sleeper”

1986 Buick Grand National

“Darth Vader”

Head to Head

About “Sleeper”

This car lives up to it's name: She looks tame on the outside, but when I put my foot in the worked Mopar small block, she just hunkers down and takes off! The engine was left appearing completely stock (until you take off the air cleaner housing with it's K&N low restriction drop-in replacement filter and see the Holley 750cfm 4-barrel, that is!). If you look closely, you'll see the headers that dump into a 3" true dual exhaust system with Dynomax mufflers for a mellow yet purposeful sound.

About “Darth Vader”

I've wanted one of these for a long time. Sure, I'm a Chevy man, but sometimes there are those special cars that you just KNOW you want, if and when the right one comes along at the right price. Well, last week, it happened. A customer at my shop happened to mention that a friend of his was selling an '86 Grand National, and asked if ! would ask around if anyone might be interested. I took the info on the car and thought it over for a couple of days..... Then I made a phone call and then Kate and I took the 2 hour drive to check the car out. As the pictures show, it turned out to be a great car. We discussed price, struck a deal, and came home with the newest addition to our garage - and one I don't have to do a damn thing to!

Specs for “Sleeper”

The engine started out as a mild-mannered 318, but it's been worked within an inch of it's life. Bored out .060 over, stroked 3/4", and the compression bumped up to 10.75:1, and featuring a mid-race cam. The heads have been completely gone through as well, being extrude honed and port-matched, with a three angle valve job. She has a 727 Torqueflite automatic with a shift kit and a 2,000 stall converter, all built to handle the power. It's all backed up by a Posi rear, of course.

Specs for “Darth Vader”

Factory Options for “Sleeper”

Automatic Transmission, AM/FM Stereo, Air Conditioning

Factory Options for “Darth Vader”

I know the power sunroof was an option, but I'm not sure of some of the other goodies like the digital dashboard, power seat, power windows, power locks, power antenna, electronic climate control, etc.

The car still has all the books with it, and it even has an emergency crank in case the sunroof motor goes out with the roof open!

Mods for “Sleeper”

The engine and transmission have been gone through top to bottom, with a full dual exhaust system. Other than that, the factory stereo's been changed out for an AM/FM/Multi-Disc CD player.